A 27-year-old British man has been left critically injured, and may never walk again, after diving head-first into the sea at Caló des Moro, one of Mallorca’s most popular coves.
What happened
The man, a construction worker from the UK, was on holiday in Mallorca with a friend. After diving into the water, he did not come back to the surface. His friend realised something was wrong and called for help, and other swimmers rushed to pull him out.
On the shore, he told those helping him that he could not feel his legs. He was airlifted to hospital for emergency treatment.
His condition
According to his family, he is in a critical condition and on life support, unable to breathe on his own. Doctors have warned that he may be permanently paralysed. Relatives and friends have travelled to Mallorca to be with him.
Family appeal
The family has launched an online fundraising campaign to cover medical costs, travel, his eventual repatriation to the UK and adaptations to his home for long-term care. It has raised more than £41,000 towards a target of £55,000.
The danger of diving
Diving accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries among young people every summer. Many happen in shallow water or where rocks lie hidden just below the surface — something that can be hard to judge in Mallorca’s clear water, where the bottom often looks deeper than it is.
How to stay safe
- Never dive into water unless you know it is deep enough and free of rocks.
- Enter the water feet first the first time, even in places you think you know.
- Avoid diving or jumping from rocks and cliffs after drinking alcohol.
- If someone may have injured their neck or back, keep them still and call 112 straight away.
Travellers should also check that their travel insurance covers medical treatment and repatriation: the cost of serious injuries abroad can be very high.
